Electric Pumps for Fracking: How They Break Rocks Underground

This patent describes a system for breaking underground rocks using high-pressure fluid from electric pumps, replacing traditional diesel-powered fracturing equipment.

What it covers

This patent describes a hydraulic fracturing system that uses electricity to power all its main components. It includes an electric pump that pushes fluid at high pressure into a wellbore to fracture a subterranean formation, as stated in the abstract. A first electric motor operates this main pump. Additionally, one or more second electric motors are connected to and operate any supporting equipment, referred to as 'ancillary units,' that are part of the fluid pumping process. For example, instead of a loud diesel engine powering the main pump that injects water and sand down an oil well, this system uses a quieter, cleaner electric motor, with other electric motors handling tasks like mixing chemicals or moving equipment.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover hydraulic fracturing systems where the main pump is powered by internal combustion engines, such as diesel or natural gas engines.
• —Does not cover systems where the 'ancillary units' (supporting equipment) are powered by non-electric means, like separate diesel generators.
• —Does not cover fracturing methods that do not involve pumping fluid into a wellbore at high pressure to break the formation.
• —Does not cover general well operations like drilling or simple fluid circulation that do not aim to fracture the subterranean formation.

The clever bit

The clever bit is fully electrifying the entire hydraulic fracturing operation, including both the main high-pressure pump and all supporting equipment, with dedicated electric motors. This moves beyond simply using electric grid power for some components to a fully integrated electric power system for the whole site.

Why it matters

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a key method for extracting oil and gas, but it traditionally relies on large, noisy, and polluting diesel engines. This patent is significant because it describes a shift towards using electric power for all parts of the fracking process, which can reduce emissions, operational costs, and noise pollution at well sites. This move aligns with broader industry goals for sustainability and efficiency in energy production.

Real-world examples

• 1.Electric fracturing fleets
• 2.Next-generation oil and gas well sites
• 3.Integrated electric well stimulation systems
• 4.Battery-powered mobile fracking units